Shillong, June 25: Football fans are likely to storm the parking lot at Polo in the city from Friday when ‘Chief Minister’s Football Fan-Park’ opens to screen FIFA World Cup 2026 matches live.
The entry-free spot at S.R.G.T Parking Lot is meant to bring together sports lovers for a shared match-day experience that mirrors stadium energy.
However, matches beginning at 9:30 PM, 10:30 PM and 12:30 AM will only be screened on the big screen, in order to suit local timings.
Combining the experience with music, the match days will also feature performances by artistes under the Chief Minister’s Meghalaya Grassroots Music Program (CM-MGMP).
The initiative is part of a larger push to build community spaces around sports and local talent, officials said.
“This reflects our commitment to create dynamic public spaces that celebrate football, music and unity,” stated an official release.
The fan park also ties into the state’s plan to build what it aims will be the country’s largest football stadium at Mawkhnau.
By converting a public parking area into a World Cup viewing hub, the government hopes to fuel Meghalaya’s football fervour and make the global tournament accessible to citizens and visitors without ticket barriers.
Fans have been invited to turn up from June 26 and be part of Shillong’s state-led World Cup celebration.
